Criminal Defense Case Results in Austin, TX

Charge

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Location

Coryell County, Copperas Cove Municipal Court

Allegations

A traffic stop ended with officers searching the client’s vehicle. They said they were investigating burglaries, followed the car, then pulled it over for an alleged wide turn. The client was pressured to allow a search, being told that refusal could mean arrest. Officers seized a vape and other consumption items and issued a paraphernalia citation. We pulled the videos and reports, challenged the basis for the stop and the validity of any consent, and pressed those issues with the prosecutor. The case was dismissed.

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Travis County, County Court at Law, #7

Allegations

The client was stopped after a brief swerve and admitted to having several drinks. Field tests were performed, and a breath test came back just over the legal limit. The swerve occurred while the client was trying to help a sick passenger, a fact we documented from the outset. We pressed for complete discovery, challenged the legal basis for the stop, and scrutinized how the tests were conducted and reported. With a thin margin on the breath result and a credible explanation for the driving, the state dismissed the case.

Charge

Speeding

Location

Travis County, JP5

Allegations

The client received a high speed traffic citation after a highway stop. We took over before the first setting, confirmed the client did not need to appear, and obtained the ticket and related notes. Leveraging the client’s clean history and mitigation from the stop, we negotiated directly with the prosecutor. The case was resolved with deferred adjudication on a short deferral period, no class requirement, and modest court costs. By completing the terms, the client kept a conviction off the record.

Charge

Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon

Location

Bastrop County, County Court at Law

Allegations

After a crash investigation, officers located our client’s vehicle and reported finding a holstered handgun inside, leading to a UCW charge. We pulled the reports, bodycam, and property records to pin down exactly where and how the firearm was discovered. The evidence showed the gun was lawfully owned and secured, and the state’s theory that its possession was tied to unlawful activity was thin. We raised procedural concerns about the seizure and signaled a suppression fight. The prosecution dismissed the UCW case.

Charge

Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon

Location

Williamson County, County Court at Law #3

Allegations

Following a traffic stop initiated after an officer said he was flagged down by a passerby, the client was arrested and a handgun was located in the vehicle's center console. We pulled the dash and body camera footage and the reports, then focused on how the tipster supposedly identified the vehicle and whether that created lawful grounds to detain. We also challenged the scope of the search that led to the firearm. After presenting our suppression arguments and pressing the weaknesses, prosecutors dismissed the case.

Charge

DWI (BAC Over .15)

Location

Bastrop County, County Court at Law

Allegations

After a collision, first responders took the client to a hospital where a blood sample later reported a BAC over .15. There was no roadside breath test, and EMS notes reflected vomiting and signs consistent with head injury. We obtained the hospital and EMS records, the lab paperwork, and the officer’s report, then scrutinized the timing and procedure of the blood draw and the limited roadside observations. Using those issues and the medical context, we pressed the State to drop the enhancement. The charge was reduced.

Charge

Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Felony)

Location

Bastrop County, Country Court at Law

Allegations

After a crash, the client, disoriented and vomiting, left on foot to find help. EMS later contacted the client at home and transported them to a hospital, where records noted a concussion. Despite this, a charge was filed for leaving the scene involving vehicle damage. We highlighted the medical evidence and EMS contact, scrutinized the timeline in the reports, and challenged whether the state could prove a knowing failure to remain and provide information. The prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

DWI - Second Offense

Location

Bell County, CC2

Allegations

After a two-vehicle crash with no reported injuries, our client was arrested on a second-offense DWI. Officers noted poor performance on roadside tests and used a handheld breath device at the scene, but there was no evidentiary breath test or blood draw. We obtained the police reports and video and focused on the gaps in proof, especially the absence of a reliable chemical sample. We pushed back on the weight of the field tests and leveraged those weaknesses in negotiations. The state agreed to reduce the charge, and the client received straight probation.

Charge

Assault - Family Violence by Strangulation

Location

Travis County, 450th DC

Allegations

Police responded to a domestic dispute at a residence after a relative reported their breathing had been impeded. The client consistently denied choking anyone. We quickly obtained the 911 recording, bodycam and police reports, secured the complaining witness's affidavit of non-prosecution, and documented the client's treatment and pretrial compliance. The materials exposed credibility problems in the initial account. We presented the package early to the prosecutor, who declined to indict and dismissed the case.

Charge

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Location

Lampasas County, JP4

Allegations

After a traffic stop, officers searched the car and reported finding an empty THC vape device, leading to a Class C paraphernalia charge. The client consistently stated they did not know it was in the vehicle. We examined the basis for the stop and search and compared the reports with the video evidence. We highlighted weaknesses in proving knowing possession and whether an empty device qualified as usable paraphernalia. Faced with these issues and our readiness to fight the evidence, the State dismissed the case.

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Hays County, County Court at Law #1

Allegations

After a two vehicle collision, officers investigated the client for DWI. No field sobriety tests were given, but the client consented to a blood draw that later came back well above .15. We pulled the dash and body cam, plus lab paperwork, and scrutinized collection, sealing, and chain of custody. We highlighted the lack of roadside testing and presented mitigation through classes and character letters. Using that leverage, we negotiated the case down from an enhanced DWI to a lesser first offense, and the charges were reduced.

Charge

Criminal Trespass of a Habitation (Class A)

Location

Hays County, County Court at Law #2

Allegations

Police filed a criminal trespass charge after an argument at a residence. The client had traveled to see the children and had been invited by the resident to stay at the home. We reviewed the reports and timeline and established that he was a lawful guest and spouse, not someone who entered without consent. We pressed that consent issue with the prosecutor, emphasizing the State could not meet its burden on lack of effective consent. The prosecution dismissed the trespass case.